16 April 2025
Confusion and laughter erupted before the start of the Champions League match between Aston Villa and Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, after the Europa League anthem was played as the players lined up instead of the Champions League anthem. Television footage showed the players confused and breaking into laguther, with Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa covering his face and shaking his head after speaking to a teammate while the incorrect anthem was being played.
About a minute later, the Champions League anthem was played at Villa Park, as the players were about to prepare for kick-off.
The match, which was part of the Champions League quarter-final second leg, was attended by Prince William, a loyal Aston Villa fan.
Aston Villa won the match 3-2, but the first leg, which ended 3-1 for Paris Saint-Germain, gave the French team a 5-4 aggregate victory and a place in the Champions League semi-finals.
